My experience is its all about how much money you want to spend. First you need to figure out how fast your boat goes at idle. Lets say its around 2.5 mph, you need to get down around 1.5 to 2. (I can only get down to about 1.7) Call Amish outfitters and he will tell you what you need. To do this you can either buy "trolling bags" not drift bags or buy a kicker motor to go the speed you want. Now you have to figure out if you want small boards or big. How many people are generally fishing with you?...Ford or Chevy...then you can choose churches boards or offshore. again...ford or chevy. You will hear about 10 different baits on here that everyone catching fish on. Its take deep pockets to have all the different ones, and they are like collecting....its an addiction. Someone catches alot of fish on pokie dot peanut and everyone rushes out to buy it. Can I trademark "Pokie Dot Peanut" I like that name. No offense to anyone, hell I'll buy one also. slowly collect your lures. I use mostly Reef Runners, but I buy a perfect 10 or bandit here or there. I think its mostly color "my opinion". Try to collect a couple of each color. Skipper 9 would be a great teacher on big boards, Juls runs small boards. Be patient, it will take you a few trips to learn to read your rods and you will make mistakes rigging things. I recommend getting all the same rods so its easier to read when something looks different. Again its all about the money, you can buy cabellas depthmaster combos for about 60 bucks a piece when they are on sale or you can spend 200 on a tekota reel. I only get to fish a few times a year up on Erie so I bought cheaper reels and more lures. I am more than willing to answer questions as are most everyone on the board. Good luck